Japanese Timber Bench

I decided I would make a simple bench for the in-laws mountain house. While thinking of what to make I stumbled on a picture of a Japanese Timber Bench at TRC Timberworks. So much for that simple bench ;)

There were no plans or really any specifics on the TRC website, so all I had to go by was the picture.

Then as luck would have it I found a guy on Craigslist selling 21 feet (three tongue & groove logs) of cypress that was leftover from a log cabin build, as well, a stack of cypress siding (with a log profile).

I didn’t have quite enough material to build the same size as in the photo, but no reason not to try and come close.

The logs were milled to size, planed, then shaped with the bandsaw. Leg pairs (two back, two front) were clamped together and belt sanded for a perfect, smooth match. I also milled the log profile panels and laminated them to create the seat. For added strength and longevity, I drilled four 14inch holes front to back and glued in 1/2 inch dowels. (next time, I will use a slab—as per the picture of the original).

No screws at all—all wood joinery throughout.

I sanded to 220 grit, and finished with “Super Deck” Waterproofing Stain & Sealer, #2901. One coat and you’re done. Should be refinished at three year intervals if kept outside.

Here’s the finished project…. see photos.

This was the first project that made extensive use of my MiniMax MM16—I just love this machine.

I also used a cheap Japanese Pull Saw (from HD) that cuts through dowels like butter. I was surprised at how nicely it worked. Apparently these are highly appreciated tools to those in the know—great for dovetails from what I hear. A very clean, accurate, splinter-free cut with just a few pulls.